Billy Timmins
Question:112 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has reviewed the Comptroller and Auditor General's report No. 2 on internal audit in health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9907/01]
Written Answers. - Internal Audit of Health Boards.
I welcome the report which sets out the current status of the internal audit functions in the health boards and makes recommendation on how the function should change.
My Department will actively promote continuing development and best standards in the area of internal audit. The Department is fully committed to working closely with the chief executive officers of the health boards and the Comptroller and Auditor General's office and the chief executive officers established a review group on internal audit in March 2000.
The review group was an important step in taking forward the issues identified in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report. The purpose of this group was to examine the role, function and structure of internal audit in the boards.
In the draft report, the group examined and made recommendations on the role and function of internal audit in the boards; reporting relationships; the development of an audit charter, standards and strategy; staffing of internal audit units; and the use of external expertise.
The final report of the review group will be issued to the chief executive officers shortly and the Department will work with the chief executive officers and the Comptroller and Auditor General's office to ensure the continued development of the internal audit function.